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Read the following passages carefully and then fill
in the blanks with one correct or best
answer. |
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The Lost City of Stone |
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Deep ___1___
the deserts of Jordan lies an ancient city. Through
a narrow gorge, it emerges into view, revealing
awe-inspiring monuments cut into the surrounding
cliffs. What is this astonishing city ? Who built
it, and why ? Ruined cities in remote places have
always ___2___
the human imagination. Petra drew the attention of
early 19th century European travelers through the
remarkable published accounts of a Swiss explorer
named Burckhardt. The city was unmarked on modern ___3___
and had not been seen by outsiders for more than 500
years. Early visitors arrived on camel back and on ___4___ to
marvel at Petra's grandeur.
Two thousand years ago, Petra stood at a
crossroads of the ancient Near East. Petra began as
a gathering site for Nabataean traders carrying
incense, spice and perfume along two major ancient
caravan ___5___.
Commercial traffic ___6___
and from Petra steadily increased from the first
century B.C. to the mid-first century A.D. to keep
up with the growing demand for luxury goods in Rome,
Greece and Egypt. During this time, the city ___7___
a bustling hub of international commerce and
culture. The Nabataeans also developed the
technology to harness natural springs in order to
grow fertile crops and lush gardens.
Petra was an important ___8___
for travelers during their journey. The Nabataeans ___9___
shelter and water -- for a fee -- and foreign
traders also paid toll and customs taxes in ___10___
for safe passages. This ___11___
helped finance the Nabataeans' commercial empire, ___12___
these former nomads to create a spectacular capital
city.
The Nabataeans also ___13___
monumental tombs, memorializing their kings and
leaders. But ___14___
time, things changed. ___15___
the city fell silent, forgotten by the outside
world. |
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| Answers |
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Deep within/in
the deserts of Jordan lies an ancient city. Through
a narrow gorge, it emerges into view, revealing awe-inspiring
monuments cut into the surrounding cliffs. What is this
astonishing city ? Who built it, and why ? Ruined cities in
remote places have always
stirred/fascinated
the human imagination. Petra drew the attention of
early 19th century European travelers through the remarkable
published accounts of a Swiss explorer named Burckhardt. The
city was unmarked on modern maps
and had not been seen by outsiders for more than 500 years.
Early visitors arrived on camel back and on
foot to
marvel at Petra's grandeur.
Two thousand years ago, Petra stood at a crossroads of the
ancient Near East. Petra began as a gathering site for Nabataean
traders carrying incense, spice and perfume along two major
ancient caravan routes.
Commercial traffic to and
from Petra steadily increased from the first century B.C. to the
mid-first century A.D. to keep up with the growing demand for
luxury goods in Rome, Greece and Egypt. During this time, the
city became
a bustling hub of international commerce and
culture. The Nabataeans also developed the technology to harness
natural springs in order to grow fertile crops and lush gardens.
Petra was an important stop
for travelers during their journey. The Nabataeans
provided shelter and water
-- for a fee -- and foreign traders also paid toll and customs
taxes in exchange/return for
safe passages. This income/money
helped finance the Nabataeans' commercial empire,
enabling/allowing
these former nomads to create a spectacular capital
city.
The Nabataeans also erected
monumental tombs, memorializing their kings and leaders. But
over time, things changed.
Eventually/Finally
the city fell silent, forgotten by the outside world. |
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